Student Use of Personal Communication Devices on School Property During the School Day

The board of trustees of a school district or open-enrollment charter school must adopt, implement, and ensure compliance with a written policy that prohibits students from using personal communication devices on school property during the school day. The policy must also outline disciplinary measures for any violations. Check with your child’s district to understand and follow their district-specific policy and procedures for the use of personal communication devices.

Restraint and Chemical Irritants

A peace officer performing law enforcement duties or school security personnel performing security-related duties on school property or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity may not restrain or use a chemical irritant spray or Taser on a student enrolled in fifth grade or below unless the student poses a serious risk of harm to themself or another person.

Safety of Referees, Judges, or Other Officials

Any spectator, which includes parents or guardians, of a school sponsored event will face consequences for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to a referee, judge, or other official. A verbal warning and persisting in inappropriate behaviors is not required for a referee, judge or other official to eject a spectator from an extracurricular athletic activity or competition sponsored or sanctioned by the school district or the University Interscholastic League. Consequences include not being allowed to attend any future extracurricular athletic activities or competitions sponsored or sanctioned by the school district or the University Interscholastic League (UIL) for at least year, not to exceed five years.

Weapons Possession

It is against the law to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possess a firearm or other prohibited weapon on the premises of a school or postsecondary educational institution. This includes licensed handgun holders. The law includes school grounds, school buildings on which an activity sponsored by the school is being conducted, or on a bus or other school passenger vehicle. The only exception to this law is the written regulations or written authorization from the school district.

Safe Firearm Storage

School districts and open-enrollment charter schools must provide information and resources on safe firearm storage at least three times each school year to district parents or guardians.

School District Access

A school district may require a person who enters school property to show their driver’s license, or other form of photo identification issued by the government. A district employee or student identification card is also acceptable. The person must provide the identification on request.

A school district may eject a person from district property if:

• the person refuses or fails to provide on request identification described above
• it appears that the person has no legitimate reason to be on district property